Hicks Indicted for Theft, Abuse of Official Capacity

August 9, 2018 - Recently suspended Justice of the Peace for Precinct 4 Jenny Hicks was indicted August 1, 2018 on charges related to allegations of theft and abuse of official capacity while Hicks was Municipal Court Judge for the city of Tenaha.

Jenny HicksA Shelby County Grand Jury impaneled for the July 2018 term, of the 123rd Judicial District Court indicted Hicks for theft, third degree felony. The indictment alleges, on or before January 1, 2017, Hicks took the sum of $6,685.60, the value of which is $2,500 or more, but less than $30,000 from the City of Tenaha, the owner. This was also allegedly done without the consent of the City of Tenaha, and with intent to deprive the city of said property.

The indictment indicates Hicks was a public servant at the time of the offense (City of Tenaha Municipal Judge), and the property appropriated came into Hicks' custody, possession, or control by virtue of her status as a public servant.

A second indictment handed down by the grand jury was for abuse of official capacity, state jail felony. The indictment alleges, on or before January 1, 2017, Hicks did with intent to obtain a benefit or intent to harm or defraud another. Hicks is alleged to have intentionally or knowingly misused government property, services, personnel, or any other thing of value belonging to the government that has come into Hicks possession by virtue of her position or employment as a public servant, City of Tenaha Municipal Judge, or through her public servant office. The indictment further alleges, Hicks unlawfully appropriated and/or misused traffic fines paid to the City of Tenaha in the amount of $6,685.60, the value of which is $2,500 or more, but less than $30,000.

Hicks was arrested August 8, 2018 on the charges of theft, third degree felony, and abuse of official capacity, state jail felony, by Roy Cheatwood, Precinct 3 Constable, and he was assisted by Zach Warr, Precinct 1 Constable, in making the arrest. Hicks was then transported to the Shelby County Jail where she was held on a $7,500 bond for the theft charge and a $5,000 bond for the abuse of official capacity charge. 

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